Calvin Trostle, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist in Lubbock,
is a regular fixture on many agriculture radio programs in and around
the center of the South Plains. His message, however, is reaching
farther than ever before as stations share his message with dozens of
their syndicated affiliates.

Given his broad platform, Trostle decided it was time to discuss
something besides sorghum, soil testing, cotton or cover crops over the
air.

“Farm and ranch country in Texas is still in the early phase of the
coronavirus outbreak,” Trostle recently said over the KFLP airwaves in
Floydada. “We can still contain it, which is especially important as
health experts explain how easily it spreads.

“The next few weeks are very important. Common sense in Texas
agriculture about how we conduct our business and social interactions,
now, will better help us backstop jobs and the economy across the
state.”

Flattening the curve

Trostle went on to explain to listeners how Texas agriculture could help “flatten the curve.”

“There is no immunity to COVID-19—if you are exposed,” Trostle said.
“But our discipline in minimizing and eliminating social contact for now
protects loved ones, friends, neighbors—and fellow Texas farmers and
ranchers and those who work with them.”

Trostle explained his desire to spread the message about social
distancing was inspired by an email from a famer in Lamb County. Billy
Tiller, who owns a geosciences company that caters to the agricultural
community, expressed to Trostle his concerns that some producers weren’t
taking COVID-19 seriously enough.

“Billy told me he knew of instances where a group of up to 20 farmers
were still congregating at a gin for their morning coffee—a
long-standing tradition in many communities,” Trostle related.

Tiller was concerned some farmers weren’t understanding how crucial
their well-being was to America’s food supply. Trostle emailed Tiller
back with some advice to share with his clients and fellow farmers. That
communication led Trostle to think about how he could reach even more
people in rural areas to emphasize how crucial they are to the nation
right now.

Protecting producers from COVID-19

“I and my AgriLife Extension colleagues are committed to the people
who make Texas agriculture possible,” he said. “I realized I could use
the radio to let Texas farmers, ranchers and agriculture employees know
how important each one of them are to Texas at this critical time.

“We need to be safe, otherwise the rural communities and way of life
we cherish could see the nightmares of our urban neighbors.”

Calvin
Trostle is spreading the word to farmers about the importance of social
distancing. (AgriLife Extension photo by Kay Ledbetter)

Trostle also reminded listeners that people in rural communities tend
to have far fewer medical resources like a local hospital or sometimes
even a doctor—making social distancing and self-isolation for anyone
with COVID-19 symptoms all the more important.

Trostle explained that farm and ranch operations will strengthen
local Texas economies in a way a restaurant, a nail salon, or a clothing
store cannot.

“A portion of Texas agriculture with greater challenges are our
commercial fruit and vegetable farmers,” he said. “They contribute foods
and produce you might immediately see in our grocery stores. If we’re
sick, we won’t have the labor for planting and especially harvesting. We
see this happening in Europe now.”

Safety first

Trostle shared with radio listeners that the virus and the sickness
it inflicts is not just a Dallas or a New York City or a California
problem.

“It might not be our problem in much of Texas agriculture at this
moment, but it will soon be our problem if we’re not careful. And the
consequences could be dire.”

The Texas agriculture community should follow the same coronavirus safety guidelines as everyone else, said Trostle.

“Even if you are in a farm and ranch community in Texas, or a county
with not yet a single reported COVID-19 case, the too-common thinking is
‘what is to fear?’ That thinking needs to change. People around us may
already be infected. We may just not know yet due to lack of widespread
testing.”

Slowing the spread of the coronavirus

Trostle said limiting person-to-person contact immediately can help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Trostle encouraged Texas farmers and ranchers to wave, call, chat
over the fence line or online – just make sure you visit with each other
in ways that avoid groups and respects the 6-feet social distancing
guideline.

Trostle told listeners, “It might take someone like you to be the
responsible one—at the gin or the farm store—and insist on
social-distancing to account for the inaction of others.”

Reaching farmers nationwide

Since he addressed KFLP listeners, Trostle has also spoken about
social distancing on KDHN in Dimmitt. He also will share his message on
KRFE in Lubbock and is hoping to speak on some Amarillo stations as
well. His KFLP program was recorded and is being used on Ag News Updates on stations from California to New York.

“Whether you are a commercial produce grower or a farm and ranch
operation with a few employees, communicate and translate to each
employee how important it is for them to follow safe health practices,”
Trostle said.

“Texas farmers, ranchers and ag workers, you are too important to get
sick. Isolate from others. The remote nature of your work makes this
easier—and we always have plenty to do anyway. Together we will help
sustain the Texas economy via agriculture to help our state pull
through.”